University of Philippines Manila

Ifugao Nursing Graduate Shares Journey Towards Academic Success

Text by Jennifer F. Manongdo

An Ifugao-based BS Nursing Graduate of class 2024 looked back on the arduous journey of earning his degree at the University of the Philippines Manila. From overcoming the UPCAT to celebrating his graduation, he remains deeply grateful for the honor of being an ‘Iskolar ng Bayan.'”

“Isa ako sa 11,821 na pumasa mula sa higit isang daang libong sumubok. Ako na siguro ang isa sa mga pinakamasayang tao sa mundo dahil talagang nakakabinging sigaw ang sinigaw ko kahit na madaling araw noong mga panahon na iyon… Hindi ako nakapagenroll sa mga review center dahil hindi naman namin kaya at ayoko pa dumagdagdag sa mga gastusin dahil hindi naman ito kailangan. Nagtiwala na lang ako sa “stock knowledge” at dasal,” Ma said in a lengthy post on his Facebook page where he announced his milestone.

The young nurse originally aspired to pursue his “dream” courses—Journalism and Biology/Molecular Biology and Biotechnology—but life had other plans for him.

“To my younger self, I want to say that we made it. This has been our dream since elementary school—to one day study at UP. We may not have pursued our ideal program (Journalism) or our dream program (Biology/Molecular Biology and Biotechnology), but we were able to finish one of the most sought-after college programs. I can still remember how I would always say, “Adi ha man mun nursing” (I will not pursue Nursing), but God really has a way of directing us to what He has planned. We struggled so much, and I cannot even find the words to describe this journey, but one thing I can say is that we survived,” he wrote.

Nalunne was among the 1,350 graduates who received their diplomas during the University’s 115th Commencement at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on July 26, 2024. The ceremony honored 20 summa cum laude graduates, 305 magna cum laude graduates, and 383 cum laude graduates. He approached the stage wearing his late maternal grandfather’s traditional attire: the “bayya’ung and butung,” which he said, is his way of honoring his heritage while celebrating his success in earning a degree at the prestigious institution. Batchmates cheered for him as he walked on stage for his diploma while others approached him for souvenir photos after the program.  

Born and raised in Hingyon, Ifugao, Nalunne said he is ready to leave the comforts of home and embrace his role as a nurse leader, committed to serving in underserved areas across the country.